Profile: Streamlining Beauty

Posted: August 7, 2007

Many in the beauty industry credit their entry into the arena to early experience or family influence. A few claim that they married into the industry, and Carrie Gross is among them. As a merchandise buyer for Nordstrom, she directed the domestic and European women’s designer markets for the East Coast, gaining valuable marketing experience. After 12 years, she left to pursue a different path.

“I’ve always been interested in personal care—but it became more of an actual pursuit once I married Dennis. As I became more interested and involved with his work, I developed a strong conviction that his talents combined with my retail experience could create a line that would offer something new.” At the same time, Gross wanted to create a strong retail presence.

She worked with her husband Dennis Gross, a New York dermatologist, to launch MD Skincare, designed to complement a professional system with an at-home regimen, available in retail and professional outlets. “Because of this, our day spa and resort partners offer the professional protocols and sell our retail products for at-home maintenance. We looked for partners that shared our philosophies on value, service and education.”

In her previous career, Gross was constantly monitoring fashion trends to keep her purchases fresh and relevant. At MD Skincare, her trend monitoring continues, but now it relates to beauty industry developments. “One trend I see in our industry is a shift in consciousness. True beauty requires an undeniable mind-body connection, and I think we recognize that this is achieved through health and wellness. Skin care and skin health really trump makeup—the less you have to cover up, the better.”